Some clothes never make it to the thrift racks or an online shop.
They’re rare, exceptional, and too exquisitely constructed.
Perhaps it’s something an actress wore in a film or a musician up on stage.
It’s an antique shirt from the 1700s and a gown made by a contemporary designer in one of the most iconic periods of their career (John Galliano’s Dior era, anyone?)
Whatever the case, there are wardrobe-changing pieces that deserve no less than a group of complete strangers fighting over them online.
Christie’s of London is one classic fixture in the world of auctions.
And eBay, currently enjoying a renaissance through its partnership with Condé Nast, is arguably the most accessible and well-known.
«eBay and Condé Nast promotional ad
If you’re ready to invest this year in a few pieces that showcase your personal style and are also worthy of being passed down to fashionable future heirs, here are 3 more auction sites you should check out:
Past auctions include a Jeanne Lanvin robe de style gown from the 20s and Johnny Depp’s costume from his role as Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow.
KTA’s Wearable Art collection is now live.
Wearable Art: The Lynn Pickwell Collection | USA
Past offers include the very high of highs like a Callot Soeurs vintage gown that ended up selling for $30,000. But there are also lower-key pieces that go for less, like the two flapper-era dresses below, which sold for under $300 as a pair.
CALLOT SOEURS COUTURE ORIENTALIST GOWN, 1910-1914
An Alexander McQueen skeleton fairy gown from 2007.
A British consul’s coat and breeches from 1790.
3. Bonham’s
A recent past auction featured an haute couture and vintage lot.
Yves Saint Laurent, Ready-to-Wear collection, Autumn/Winter 2018. Fishbone ear clips in silver metal and rhinestones. Sold for a little over $680.
This John Galliano newspaper lounge set sold for $745.
Taraji P. Henson wore the same kind of earrings on the hit TV show, Empire.
A Montana man’s leather suit that sold for under $200.
Auctions usually have a little something for everyone, plus it’s almost a guarantee you won’t run into anyone else wearing what you’ve won online.
With personal style becoming more valued again, auction sites like these offer a chance to find pieces that truly help you stand out in your own special way.